A Systematic Review of Factors Needed for Successful Foster Placements: Perspectives from Children and Foster Parents

Abstract

Foster care is a sensitive topic that requires representation of the best interests of children and families. The perspectives of foster children and foster families are under-researched and there is need for more knowledge in this area. Following a PRISMA guidelines, 24 articles were analyzed. The systematic review explores foster children’s and foster parents’ perceptions of factors related to a successful placement. Both children and foster parents emphasized the importance of inclusion in the decision-making process and a need for additional help from specialists. Findings identify a number of factors that could be helpful for child welfare authorities.

Keywords:

• Foster care
• foster children
• foster parent
• participation
• successful placement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).